Isabella Riggs

I am a full-time undergraduate student and a Certified Nursing Assistant with a strong interest in patient-centered care. My long-term goal is to earn my M.D. and specialize in complex neurology or neuropsychiatry, where I will have the privilege of working with individuals impacted by various central nervous system-related conditions.

I am particularly interested in complex neurological and systemic disorders involving interactions among the nervous system, immune system, and connective tissue. I am fascinated by biological neuroscience and the ways in which neurological, neuroimmune, and autonomic processes influence cognition, behavior, mobility, and overall quality of life.

I hope to make a positive impact on others throughout my career, whether by assisting with research, educating and mentoring future clinicians, or providing thoughtful, compassionate one-on-one care. I value interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on clinical experience as essential foundations for effective and ethical medical practice.

Through my undergraduate coursework, I have developed a strong foundation in trauma-informed care and cultural competency. I recently completed an exploratory correlational study examining reduced vagal tone and quality of life (QOL) in autistic adults, with a focus on autonomic nervous system dysfunction and elective vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a potential moderator—an experience that has deepened my understanding of the physiological underpinnings of complex neurological conditions.

I am currently seeking my first position as a Nurse Aide and am eager to gain meaningful bedside experience. I recognize this role as deeply personal and essential to providing compassionate, dignified care while supporting patients during vulnerable moments. I view this experience as a critical foundation for my future in medicine.

I’m a Certified Nursing Assistant with training in direct patient care, daily living assistance, and ensuring patient comfort and dignity. My experience has strengthened my ability to work efficiently in fast-paced environments, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively within a care team. 

I hold an Associate of Arts degree from York Technical College and will graduate in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University at Alexandria. In addition, I completed my Nurse Aide training at Carolinas College of Health Sciences, which provided practical clinical experience and direct patient care training.